Cluster beans Fry / Kothavaranga Varuval / Kothavaranga Kara Poriyal

Cluster beans is also known as kothavaranga in Tamilnadu..This is one type of green beans with a slight bitter taste.. I have seen people not eating this because of the different taste but it has lots of nutritious value..They are rich in fiber n protein and is available as vegetable and in powdered form ( cluster beans seeds are dried n ground into flour, known as guar gum)...Very interesting read while googling abt this veggie was that this powder is used as a thickener in many foods.. such as icecream( instead of gelatin ) n cheese, sauces n dressings... It is also very effective in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome n reduces cholesterol... Read that the powder form is very useful in weight loss n in diabetes treatment.Above details were googled ..thought of sharing with you people...And to the recipe...As you all know that cluster beans is used in curries n dals... I used to prepare lots of recipes using this veggie like Kothavaranga poriyal, sambhar, varuval, aviyal......Today sharing my varuval recipe...my friend used to call this recipe as kara poriyal....

Ingredients :

1 Big Onion, finely chopped

1 Tomato, finely chopped

2 Cup Cluster beans / kothavaranga, chopped

1/2 Tsp Turmeric powder

1 Tbsp Chilli - coriander powder

Salt to taste

1 Tbsp Oil

Coriander leaves, finely chopped for garnishing

Method :

Heat oil in a pan, add chopped onion and fry till translucent.

Add the chopped tomato and fry them again for a minute.

Now add the turmeric powder, salt and chilli - coriander powder.

Mix well and add the chopped cluster beans.

Add little water, mix well, close the lid and cook for 5 minutes in a medium flame or till the veggie gets cooked.